Why do ice cubes stick in freezers?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Surface ice melts and refreezes
Ice expands and locks — Wrong. Expansion doesn't cause sticking. Ice cubes actually contract slightly at very low temperatures.
Surface ice melts and refreezes ✓ — Correct! When you touch ice or open the freezer, slight warming melts a thin surface layer. This water quickly refreezes, bonding ice cubes together or to the tray. That's why fresh ice separates easily!
Plastic trays grip the ice — Wrong. The tray material isn't the issue—ice sticks to metal trays too. Surface melting and refreezing causes the bond.